German director Julian Radlmaier and Russian producer Kirill Krasovski lit up the 7th Hainan Island International Film Festival this week, sharing their passion for storytelling that transcends borders. Their film Phantoms of July, nominated for HIIFF's prestigious Golden Coconut Award, became a conversation starter about cinema's power to connect cultures.
📽️ 'Chinese audiences approach films with such intellectual curiosity,' Radlmaier told CGTN's Zhang Meng during the festival's opening days. Krasovski added: 'When you see filmmakers from Iran, Brazil, and China all in one venue – that's where tomorrow's co-productions are born.'
The duo's first trip to China comes as HIIFF 2025 reports record participation from 116 countries. Festival organizers highlight that 40% of this year's competition entries are debut features – proof that new voices are reshaping global cinema.
